summary
Introduced
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a Biosecurity Fencing Cost-Sharing Program. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Biosecurity Fencing Cost-Sharing Program administered by Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to help farmers combat invasive species like axis deer and feral pigs that threaten agricultural productivity. The program will provide financial reimbursement to eligible farmers for at least 50% of expenses related to installing, constructing, repairing, or improving agricultural fencing, with potential for higher reimbursement rates (up to an unspecified percentage) for farmers who submit an approved conservation plan from a soil and water conservation district. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate active agricultural operations, provide documentation of farm activities, and agree to submit a report detailing their fencing project. The department will be required to maintain records, create an annual report for the legislature about the program's expenditures and impacts, develop a public awareness campaign, and adopt rules for implementation. The bill defines "agricultural fencing" broadly, including traditional and modern fencing methods designed to protect livestock and crops from invasive species. While the bill sets the program's effective date as July 1, 2050, it includes an appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, suggesting the program is intended to be implemented much sooner than the stated effective date.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance
Sponsors (6)
Henry Aquino (D)*,
Stanley Chang (D)*,
Kurt Fevella (R)*,
Mike Gabbard (D)*,
Tim Richards (D)*,
Joy San Buenaventura (D),
Last Action
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. (on 02/12/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=523&year=2025 |
BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB523_SD1_.HTM |
Committee Report SB523_SD1_SSCR300_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/CommReports/SB523_SD1_SSCR300_.pdf |
SB523_TESTIMONY_AEN_02-05-25_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/Testimony/SB523_TESTIMONY_AEN_02-05-25_.PDF |
BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB523_.HTM |
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